The scent of fresh coffee and polished wood lingered in Jeffâs office, blending with the faint aroma of cologne. The morning sun filtered through the half-open blinds, casting slanted golden lines across the desk where Harry sat, fingers idly drumming against the surface. He had heard this conversation before. The ticking of the clock seemed louder than usual, a reminder that time was never on their side.
"H, I know you hate the idea of constant security," Jeff said, his tone serious. "But we canât ignore whatâs been happening. The crowd outside the hotel last week? The guy who jumped the barricade at your show? Itâs getting worse."
Harry exhaled sharply, running a hand through his curls, his gaze unfocused. "I donât want to be that celebrity, Jeff. The one who walks around with an entourage, who has security pushing people away like theyâre some kind of plague. I like interacting with fans. I donât want to build walls around myself."
Jeff sighed, rubbing his temples, his face lined with frustration. "Then we find a way to make it low-key. I hired someone from an agency that specializes in undercover security. No obvious muscle, no uniforms, just someone watching your back without making it obvious."
Harry arched a brow, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Sounds expensive."
"Worth every penny. Youâll barely notice her."
Before Harry could argue further, a knock at the door interrupted them. Jeff stood and opened it, revealing youâdressed in a sleek yet practical outfit: dark jeans, a fitted black jacket, and boots sturdy enough for function yet stylish enough to blend in. Your posture was confident, poised, and alert, projecting a quiet authority that immediately commanded attention.
Harryâs lips parted slightly, the surprise evident in his eyes. He had been expecting someone completely different.
Jeff cleared his throat, his expression apologetic. "Harry, meet your new bodyguard."
There was a beat of silence as Harry and Jeff exchanged a quick glance of surprise.
You smirked slightly, though you kept your posture professional. "Let me guessâyou two were expecting someone different?"
Jeff opened his mouth to deny it, but Harryâs expression gave them both away.
"A bit," Harry admitted, his voice laced with humor. "Not in a bad way, just... surprised."
"Itâs okay," you replied with a shrug, your tone light. "Happens all the time. People see me and assume Iâm a PR manager or an assistant. Maybe even a stunt double on a good day. But I assure you, Iâm more than qualified to keep you safe."
Jeff leaned forward, a mix of pride and reassurance in his voice. "She comes highly recommended, top of her class. Trained in multiple combat techniques, counter-surveillance, defensive drivingâyou name it."
Harry hesitated before shaking your hand. "Right. Of course. I appreciate you doing this."
"Itâs my job," you said simply, gripping his hand firmly, your touch brief but firm. "And I take it seriously. Iâll be shadowing you from now on. I wonât interfere with your day-to-day life unless I deem it necessary for your safety."
Jeff let out a breath of relief. "Alright. You start tomorrow."
As you left the office, you could feel Harry's eyes following you, still assessing, still deciding how he felt about the arrangement. You had a feeling this wasn't going to be an easy job, but you were used to challenges.
â
The next morning, you arrived early, determined to start taking action. You wanted to make the house feel like a safe space for Harry, not one that reminded him he was constantly under threat. As you entered, Harryâs house was still quiet, but you could hear the faint hum of a coffee machine in the kitchen. Harryâs team had already started arriving, but they barely noticed you as you moved with purpose. You couldnât afford distractions.
The first thing you did was walk the perimeter of the house. The gates were solid, but outdated. You noted the number of hidden spots that werenât covered by security cameras. There was an entrance to the side of the house that led to a narrow alley, and another hidden behind a tall garden wall. You couldnât trust that nothing could slip by unnoticed.
You took mental notesâdoorways, windows, gates, and even the trees that created shadows by the fence. No blind spots could go unaccounted for. After another quick call, you arranged for a full security system update.
By noon, new security cameras were being installed. You had chosen ones with facial recognition, ensuring that only those Harry authorized would be able to get past the front gate. Each camera was strategically placed in spots Harry didnât even think to look. One was on top of the high garden wall, offering a bird's-eye view of anyone who came too close. Another was hidden behind a small decorative tree in the yard, monitoring the back door.
The most important change, however, came at the gate. You had noticed the gate code was easy to remember, but anyone who had once had access to it could still get in if they tried. The security team replaced the old keypad with a biometric scannerâfingerprint and face recognitionâmaking it nearly impossible for anyone other than Harry or trusted personnel to gain entry. It was a decision made in the best interest of both privacy and safety.
Later in the day, as Harry returned home from a brief meeting, you watched him pull into the driveway. He came to a stop, giving you a quizzical look as he noticed the new setup.
"Okay, this is new," Harry said as he got out of the car, motioning toward the new camera at the gate and the biometric scanner you had installed. He raised an eyebrow. "Didnât think Iâd need to scan my face just to get into my own house."
You smiled coolly. "Better safe than sorry. You never know who might have access to your old codes. This is the next level of protection."
Harry paused, eyeing the scanner, and you could almost see the wheels turning in his head. You werenât just a bodyguard anymore. You were someone who understood how to keep him safe. His face softened slightly, but there was still a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
âI donât know how I feel about all of this," Harry said, clearly uncomfortable with the changes. "It feels a little... extreme.â
You could sense his resistance, but you had expected this. "The changes are necessary, Harry," you said gently. "And itâs all for your safety. Trust me, itâll feel like second nature soon enough."
You stepped away, watching him for a moment, before giving him some space. You knew Harry wasnât the type to embrace change quickly, especially when it came to his personal life. But the new measures werenât negotiable, and you couldnât afford to back down.
â
That evening, after a brief rundown of your expectations, Harry seemed to nod along, seemingly compliant. However, as soon as he left Jeffâs office, you noticed his quick pace and sharp turns. You felt a shift in the airâthe subtle challenge of Harry trying to lose you. He walked quickly, turning corners sharply, hoping you'd fall behind.
But you didnât. You kept pace, your eyes scanning the area with precision, anticipating his every move. He stopped by a coffee shop, ordering something he didnât even want, just to see if youâd relax your guard. You didnât. By the time he reached his car, you were already standing beside it, waiting for him.
Harry sighed, shaking his head with a small, reluctant smirk. "Alright, I get it. Youâre good."
"You shouldâve figured that out when they hired me," you replied evenly, opening the door for him. He slid in, still watching you with mild curiosity, his eyes darting over your face as if trying to piece together the enigma that was you.
You didnât talk much during the ride, but every so often, you could feel his gaze flicking toward you, studying you in his own quiet way. He wasnât convinced yet, but he was starting to accept that you werenât going anywhere.
â
After you dropped Harry off, you headed back to the office to wrap up the dayâs tasks. Just as you were about to leave, Jeff caught up to you in the hallway. His expression was serious, a far cry from the casual confidence he usually carried.
"Look, I know this is only your first day, but I just wanted to give you a heads-up," Jeff said, lowering his voice. "Harryâs stubborn, and heâs not going to make this easy. Heâll try to shake you, test your limits. He doesnât believe he needs this level of protection, and heâll resist at every turn."
You nodded, already anticipating the challenge. "I can handle it. Iâve dealt with difficult clients before."
Jeff glanced at you, his eyes softening just slightly. "Itâs not just that," he continued. "Harry doesnât just push back because heâs stubborn. He wonât admit when he needs help, especially when it comes to anything related to his safety. Heâll act like heâs fine, even when heâs not. Just⊠be patient with him. This is going to take time."
You absorbed his words carefully, already starting to form a strategy in your mind. This job wasnât just about physical protection; it was about navigating Harryâs emotional landscape, too. "Iâll keep that in mind."
Jeff sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just donât back down. He might push you, but thatâs just how he is. Youâre doing good, though. I can see it."
You offered him a small, confident smile. "Thanks. I wonât let you down."
â
The following morning, after a restless night of monitoring security systems and reviewing the updated perimeter, you decided it was time to establish some ground rules. As you entered Harryâs house early, you noticed he was still in his pajamas, a mug of coffee in hand as he browsed through his phone. His hair was messy, and his usual polished aura was absent. He didnât look up as you approached, but you knew this conversation was inevitable.
"No unannounced outings," you said firmly, your voice cutting through the morning air. "If youâre leaving the house, I need to know ahead of time. If youâre meeting someone, I vet them first. No exceptions."
Harry scoffed, slumping back in his chair as if the weight of the world had suddenly been placed on his shoulders. "You want to approve my dates now, too?"
You met his gaze without flinching. "If your date is a security risk, yes."
Mitch, one of Harryâs closest friends and bandmate, smirked from across the table. "Sheâs got you there, mate."
The room was filled with Harryâs band and team, all gathered together. Mitch and Sarah were there, along with Jeff, who had accompanied you to the house early that morning. Sarah stayed mostly quiet, watching the interaction with interest, while Mitch, as always, was ready with a teasing comment. Jeff, however, stood firmly on your side. He knew the importance of what you were doing and had already helped arrange the meeting. His presence was a reminder that this wasnât just about you and Harryâit was about Harryâs safety, and Jeff understood that.
"I called everyone in this morning to go over some new ground rules," you continued, setting a folder of documents down in front of Harry. "This isnât just about you, Harry. This is about your team too. Itâs important that everyone is on the same page, especially when it comes to security."
Harry raised an eyebrow but didnât respond immediately, still holding onto his coffee mug. Mitch, noticing the tension, leaned back in his chair, making a show of stretching. "Alright, boss," Mitch said with a playful grin. "Whatâs the first rule? Can we still sneak out for late-night gigs without her tracking us down?"
You shot Mitch a look, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. "Mitch, youâre not a teenager anymore. If thereâs something important you want to do, you let me know first. No more spontaneous plans. You know I need to vet it. Same goes for all of you. Itâs for your safety and Harryâs."
Jeff, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke up, his voice calm but assertive. "Mitch, she's right. We canât afford to take any chances anymore. If weâre going to do this right, everyoneâs got to be on board with the rules. For Harryâs safety and all of ours."
Harry muttered something under his breath but didnât argue. He toyed with a bracelet on his wrist, his fingers absentmindedly twirling it, clearly irritated by the restriction. You could tell the added pressure was building. It wasnât just the rulesâit was the idea of being watched, the feeling of someone else controlling parts of his life.
But you had to be firm. He needed structure, even if he didnât want it. And it was your job to make sure he understood that these boundaries were for his own good. You had to pick your battles carefully, but you couldnât back down now.
"Look, I get it," you added, noticing the strain on his face. "You donât want to feel like youâre being treated like a child. But Iâm not here to ruin your life, Harry. Iâm here to make sure you stay safe. That means I need to know where you are, who youâre with, and if anything goes off track. You may not like it, but itâs non-negotiable."
The room was silent for a moment, the weight of your words sinking in. Sarah, always the mediator, glanced between Harry and you. She didnât speak up, but you could tell she was trying to gauge the situation. Jeff, on the other hand, nodded in approval.
"This is exactly why we need to stay organized," Jeff added. "Weâve all seen the risks. It's better to be proactive than reactive. It might seem over the top now, but trust meâitâll pay off."
Harryâs eyes flashed with mild frustration, but he didnât speak up. The rules were getting stricter, and though you could tell he wasnât thrilled, you werenât about to bend. His life wasnât just his own anymoreâit was part of a much larger, more complex world now, and everything had to be accounted for. This wasnât just about protecting him from the outside world. It was about making sure nothing slipped through the cracks.
You turned back to Harry, who was still fidgeting with his bracelet, seemingly lost in thought. "Iâll be reviewing all of your appointments and travel schedules. No more impromptu decisions. If thereâs anything outside of the ordinary, youâre to clear it with me first. This includes interviews, public events, and meetings with anyone who isnât part of your team."
Mitch, always ready to throw in his playful commentary, grinned. "So, does that mean youâll be approving my plans too, or are you going to let me live a little?"
You gave him a deadpan stare. "If your plans involve a security risk, Mitch, then yes. Iâll be reviewing them."
Mitch raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I see how this is going."
Harry let out a frustrated sigh but didnât argue further. His team wasnât exactly hostile, but there was a clear air of tension. They were used to having more autonomy, and now they were all adjusting to the fact that you were calling the shots when it came to security.
As the meeting wrapped up, you found another chance to add more rules. "Iâm going to be implementing a detailed daily check-in. If youâre going anywhere, I want to know your exact plans for the day. That means no unplanned stops, no sudden changes of heart. Everything is to be accounted for."
Harry slumped further into his chair, running his hand through his hair. "Fine," he muttered, clearly exhausted from the conversation. "But this better not become a habit."
You leaned in slightly, your voice calm but firm. "It will, for your safety. And we both know this isnât just a âhabit.â Itâs necessary."
Harry nodded stiffly, his posture still tense, but you could see a flicker of acceptance in his eyes. There was a silent understanding growing between you twoâa recognition that this arrangement wasnât ideal, but it was the only way forward.
You gave him a small, knowing smile. "I know youâre not used to this, but in the long run, itâll make things easier for both of us."
Harry nodded stiffly, but his eyes lingered on you for a moment longer than necessary. There was something unspoken between you now, a mutual understanding. He might have fought the rules at first, but you had a feeling he was beginning to see the logic behind them.
Mitch shot Harry a teasing smile. "Looks like sheâs got you on lockdown now, mate."
Harry rolled his eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. He was adjusting, even if it wasnât easy. And as for you, you knew this was only the beginning. Building trust took time, but you were willing to work for it. The rules you were setting were necessary. And despite his initial resistance, Harry was starting to realize that he needed them.
â
The next few days passed without incident, but you stayed vigilant, constantly assessing Harryâs routines and the security setup. You knew that with a celebrity like him, the danger wasnât always obvious, and there would be moments when heâd try to slip through the cracks. He was stubborn, determined, but you had a feeling that this wouldnât be the last time he tested you.
That night, after another late evening of monitoring Harryâs schedule, you retired to the security room once more. You pulled up a map of Harryâs estate, overlaying it with your notes. Every camera feed was up on the screen, every exit was accounted for, and you had finally established a solid perimeter.
As you closed the laptop, your gaze lingered on the footage of Harry smiling in front of the cameras, pushing through the crowd for his fans. The image on the screen didnât capture the subtle tension in his shoulders, the way his eyes always darted around when he was surrounded.
Youâd noticed it before, but now you understood it better. Harry wasnât just worried about his fans. He was worried about the cracks that formed around himâthe way people expected him to be perfect, the endless demands for a version of himself that could never be entirely real. The pressure was immense. Behind that charming smile, behind the carefully curated persona, was a man who wasnât sure where the publicâs love for him ended and where his own fear began. People wanted to be close to him, to see the man behind the legend, but the truth was, they didnât always know what to do with the raw, unguarded version of Harry. The one who, when the cameras were off, sometimes felt like he was drowning in his own image.
You understood it nowâthe anxiety that haunted him, the cracks that formed around his confidence. It wasnât just about the crowds or the pressure to always be "on." It was the constant battle of being vulnerable in a world that only ever seemed to want the version of him that smiled on stage, not the person who carried the weight of his own flaws, fears, and humanity.
Your job wasnât just about protecting him from the outside world. It was about protecting him from his own vulnerability, making sure that he wasnât consumed by the relentless expectations placed on him.
As you sat there in the dim glow of the monitors, you couldnât help but wonder how long it would take before Harry truly accepted the help he needed. He had always kept his guard up, never fully letting anyone in. You had learned that much about him already. But you had to admit, there was a subtle shift in the way he relied on your presence. Even if he didnât admit it, he was beginning to let you in, piece by piece.
You leaned back in your chair, taking a breath. You had your work cut out for you, but it was the job you had taken, and you were determined to make sure Harry never had to face the world alone.
The stakes were higher than just his safety nowâhe was at a crossroads, and so were you. But if there was one thing you knew for sure, it was that this journey would change both of you in ways you couldnât yet predict.
